Some pearls are white because white is a naturally occurring color in certain types of pearls, although they are often treated to enhance their whiteness.
Natural White Pearls
White is, in fact, a natural color found in certain types of pearls formed within various mollusks. As noted in gemology sources, white is a naturally occurring color in freshwater and akoya pearls. This means that these pearls can emerge from the mollusk with a natural white hue due to the specific way light interacts with the layers of nacre (calcium carbonate and conchiolin) that form the pearl.
Pearl types commonly found with natural white color include:
- Freshwater Pearls: Cultured predominantly in lakes and rivers in China, these pearls naturally exhibit a wide range of colors, including various shades of white.
- Akoya Pearls: Primarily cultured in saltwater oysters in Japan, China, and Vietnam, these classic pearls are well-known for their round shape and often natural white bodycolor.
Enhancing the White Color
While white can be natural, pearls are frequently treated to improve their appearance, creating a more consistent, bright, and even white color. Even the naturally white types mentioned are routinely enhanced. According to industry practices, these types [freshwater and akoya] are routinely bleached to create an even whiter bodycolor.
This bleaching process helps to remove any subtle off-colors, surface blemishes, or variations in the natural white tone, resulting in a more uniform and intense white pearl that is highly valued in the market. After bleaching, akoya pearls are also often subjected to a treatment known as pinking, which adds a slight rosé overtone, enhancing their perceived luster and appeal. However, the primary treatment for achieving maximum whiteness is bleaching.
In summary, some pearls are naturally white, particularly freshwater and akoya varieties, but these are commonly bleached to ensure a consistently bright and even white appearance.
